Winemaker's Notes:

The 2009 19 Block has aromas of cedar and black licorice. A rich entry of black cherry and ripe plum is supported in the mid-palate by oak nuances of vanilla, caramel and graham cracker. A long, silky finish of polished tannins suggest immediate approachability but the wine will continue to improve over the next 3-4 years.

The layers of flavor in this wine pair well with complex foods, including braised or grilled meats like lamb, pork or duck; spring or sweet onions; earthy flavors such as mushrooms, eggplant and fennel; harder cheeses with salt crystals such as Bravo Farms Silver Mountain or Beecher's Flagship Reserve.

About The Hess Collection:

The Hess Collection was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess, who first purchased vineyards on Mount Veeder in 1978 and began making wine under The Hess Collection label in 1983. In 1986, he began renovation of the historic winery, originally constructed in 1903 by Colonel Theodore Gier. The winery opened to the public in 1989. The Hess Collection has vineyards on Mount Veeder, along with their Napa Valley estate vineyards - Su'skol and Allomi in Napa Valley, and Shirtail Creek Vineyard in Monterey. Each of these vineyards is sustainably farmed in accordance with Donald's philosophy: "Nurture the land, return what you take."